Destinations / Hong Kong
Driving in Hong Kong as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Hong Kong drives on the left and accepts the IDP for short visits; tourists should carry one with their national licence.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Hong Kong expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Left |
| Emergency number | 999 |
| Top speed limit | 110 km/h on the North Lantau Highway |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | 1968 Vienna |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in HKD. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Seatbelts | Seatbelts mandatory front and rear. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit. |
| Tolls | Tunnels and bridges carry tolls. |
On the road in Hong Kong
At the pump
Stations sell unleaded petrol (95 and 98 octane) and diesel, are attended (full-service is common) and accept major cards and Octopus. Fuel is among the world's most expensive at roughly HK$24-27 per litre.
After a crash
Dial 999 for emergencies; you must stop, exchange details, and report any accident to police within 24 hours (immediately if there is injury). A police report is needed for the rental company and any insurance claim.
Sources: scmp.com · clic.org.hk · expatinfodesk.com · en.wikivoyage.org
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Hong Kong?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Hong Kong drives on the left and accepts the IDP for short visits; tourists should carry one with their national licence.
Which translation format is used for Hong Kong?
Hong Kong uses the 1968 Vienna convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Hong Kong ask for a translation?
Self-drive rental is limited; an IDP is expected where available.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Hong Kong?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Asia
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.